buckle 1 of 2

verb

Definition of bucklenext
1
as in to collapse
to fall down or in as a result of physical pressure the flimsy bridge buckled under the weight of the caravan of trucks

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to devote
to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention buckled himself down and finished the assignment in record time

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

buckle

2 of 2

noun

as in loop

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of buckle
Verb
Where the world saw a supernatural talent, some at home saw an outsider who had never played professionally in Argentina and seemed to buckle under the weight of their expectations. — CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 When a buckling spring switch is depressed, a capacitive flipper attached to the bottom of the switch’s spring is forced forward. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026
Noun
Featuring a statement buckle detail, a lightweight lug sole, and a timeless lace-up structure, these boots are worth introducing to your fall wardrobe. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 28 Sep. 2026 Surface tree roots may also push their way through sidewalk cracks or buckle pavement in driveways. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for buckle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for buckle
  1. collapse
  2. devote
  3. loop
  4. go
  5. apply
  6. fold
  7. give
  8. spiral
Verb
  • Flames engulfed the 19th-century City Hall in the city of Limoges, in central France, causing its roof to collapse and nearly destroying the building.
    — SYLVIE CORBET, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The students who stepped forward when their teacher collapsed playing basketball in Michigan illustrate what becomes possible when CPR skills are taught before they are needed.
    — Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of collapse
Verb
  • The power of people All of this knowledge has accumulated because people value birds and have devoted enormous time and effort to understanding them.
    — Amy L. Scarpignato, The Conversation, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Beyond his commercial success, Appignani devoted his later years to civic engagement, philanthropy and promoting humanistic values.
    — Sergio R. Bustos, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of devote
Noun
  • The feedback loop in action Keep watching, and the algorithm may keep serving up more of the same.
    — Bilin Lin, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
  • Richard’s singing and rapping weave between the relentless drums like a shuttle through a loom, accented by cool sax notes and vocal loops from the original, which was co-written by Richard’s father.
    — Stephen Kearse, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of loop
Verb
  • Trailing the Brewers 2-0 in the best-of-seven series, the Dodgers desperately need to put themselves in the best possible position to win Game 3 and avoid four straight win-or-go-home contests.
    — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • As a result of the fine, Treasury said that Bank of America will work with a third party to report any further transactions to FinCEN that had gone undetected.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of go
Verb
  • The approach applies manufacturing practices to research and development, allowing engineers and machinists to modify components and processes quickly as designs evolve.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Al Hassan wants renewal to happen automatically without needing to apply.
    — Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of apply
Noun
  • Hilly woods or swamps with lots of folds, ditches, and creeks are best for ground hunting.
    — Colin Moore, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The Sixpack offers a bit of an outstretched hand to try to woo those buyers back to the Dodge fold.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of fold
Verb
  • Most questions were friendly and business-centric, but Marshall also gave his opinion on several polarizing issues, including federal immigration enforcement, tariffs and the war in Iran.
    — Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Four turboprop engines power the aircraft, giving it the performance needed for demanding military transport operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of give
Noun
  • The touchdown pass happened during a trick play, in which quarterback Fletch Palmer handed the ball to Adrian Petero, who lateraled the ball back to Palmer, who threw a perfect spiral down the middle to Mosley.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez decided to fast-forward that gradual doom spiral by publicly criticising those at board level.
    — Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of spiral

Browse Nearby Words

bucking up
buckle
buckled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Buckle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/buckle. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on buckle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about buckle

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